Albumin is the most abundant protein circulating in your blood. Precisely circulating in your plasma — the pale, mostly liquid portion of your blood — Albumin is produced by your liver and comprises almost 50% of your body’s total protein content.
All life-saving plasma therapies are based on one or more of the multitude of proteins your plasma contains. Which is why the therapies are also called plasma protein therapies. These proteins are extracted from the plasma donated by voluntary donors in a process called fractionation. And so, Albumin therapies are based on the protein Albumin isolated during its fractionation.
Albumin therapies have a great range of uses.
They are used to treat certain liver diseases and severe infections, but most commonly, they are used as emergency medicines to replace blood volume loss following:
- Severe shocks
- Severe burns
- Trauma or injuries, or
- During surgeries
Albumin therapies are therefore most commonly used to increase or replenish the levels of plasma or precisely, the levels of Albumin in your body.
- How is Albumin given?
Like most plasma protein therapies, Albumin is administered intravenously, that is, injected into your vein through an IV. Its dosage may vary from patient to patient and the condition from which they suffer.
Patients are strongly advised to take the injection from healthcare professionals in a licensed clinic or hospital. However, you can self-administer Albumin at home, provided the arrangements made are absolutely safe.
2. What are the side effects of Albumin?
The most common side effects of Albumin therapies are:
- Nausea/Vomiting
- Increased salivation
- Fever
- Chills
- Mild rash
- Flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling)
Typically, these side effects are not considered serious enough to warrant consulting your doctor. However, if they persist, you should.
On the other hand, Albumin can also lead to more serious side effects. If these emerge, patients are strongly advised to consult their doctor immediately. These include:
- Breathing problems
- Skin rashes, itching or swelling
- Pain, redness or swelling at the injection site
- Throbbing headaches
Lastly, when on Albumin, don’t forget to drink plenty of fluids. Stay hydrated.
Give someone the chance to live a happier and healthier life. Donate your plasma. Find more information here.
For more information visit: What is Albumin?
